Who would have guessed that Yamile and Zhao were also visiting the forest where Biacca intended to end her life? As the two were in the middle of a heated argument, Biacca's cries abruptly silenced them. They were curious—who was crying in the middle of the forest at night?
"We'll settle this later; first, we need to find out who's crying," Yamile said firmly, her anger beginning to fade due to the sobs.
They both began to scour the forest, searching for the source of the weeping. Slowly, the crying grew louder, closer, and more heart-wrenching with each step.
As they neared the sound, Yamile and Zhao walked cautiously, their steps silent. But confusion struck them—there was no one in sight.
Their eyes scanned all directions, yet they found not a single soul. Amid the eerie silence, Yamile noticed a slight movement on a tree branch.
"At nine o'clock, on that branch—someone is standing there," Yamile whispered to Zhao. They were now only ten meters away from Biacca.
"Why is there a rope around her neck?" Zhao muttered, puzzled.
Suddenly, Biacca jumped from the branch. Her body plummeted from the height, her neck already caught in a noose—and in that moment, the world seemed to vanish. But before the rope could fully tighten, a loud voice shattered the forest's silence.
"She's insane! Why would she kill herself?!" Zhao shouted as he ran toward Biacca.
Yamile didn't waste a second; she leapt ahead of Zhao. Soaring into the air, she slashed the rope with a glowing green trident. Biacca's bound body fell, but before it hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught her.
"You're safe now…" a gentle male voice said, panting slightly from the quick rescue. Zhao cradled the unconscious Biacca, his eyes filled with deep concern as he stared at her face.
Yamile landed beside them, breathing heavily, her gaze alert. Despite the lingering injuries from her fight with Recha and Sassy, her instincts remained sharp. She sheathed her trident, which vanished instantly, then crouched beside Zhao.
"Is she still alive?" Yamile asked anxiously.
Zhao nodded slightly. "She is. But her pulse is weak. We need to find shelter, fast."
Without another word, they carried Biacca deeper into the forest. Finally, tucked away among big trees, they discovered a tiny cave. Inside, it was warmer and drier. Zhao lit a small fire while Yamile opened Biacca's backpack, finding a water bottle and some bandages.
"She didn't come here unprepared," Yamile remarked as she examined Biacca's bag. There was a diary, childhood photos from an orphanage, and a final letter.
Zhao skimmed through the letter. His expression turned somber. "She came here to die… It's all because of loneliness, because of bullying," he murmured softly.
Yamile sat cross-legged beside Zhao, staring at the unconscious girl. Biacca's face was pale, her cheeks damp with tears, and her breath shallow.
"Her life must've been so hard, she thought dying was the only way out," Yamile whispered.
Zhao stared into the fire. The forest outside grew quieter, but their hearts churned with fury.
"No! Her life was made miserable—until she broke. I'm sure the Kalanak were behind this," Zhao said, anger seeping into every word.
"Look at her. There will be more people who end their lives like this. She was fortunate that we arrived in time.
"If you still refuse to use Niroki's power, more people like her will suffer."
"Without that power, we'd be dead right now."
Yamile had no words. Her emotions were in turmoil—anger and sorrow colliding. She felt angry for having to associate with a demon, yet sorrowful for the numerous individuals who lost their lives as a result of emotional manipulation.
Fatigue and sleep finally took over. Yamile and Zhao rested for a while.
A few hours later, the sun rose gloriously, shining on every living thing on Earth.
Biacca slowly regained consciousness. Her vision blurred, her body heavy. She saw two unfamiliar silhouettes sitting nearby. Panic struck—she tried to rise, but she was too weak.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. You're safe," Zhao said gently, holding her down so she could rest.
"S-sorry… I… I need to leave…" Biacca whispered, her voice barely audible.
Yamile moved closer, locking eyes with Biacca. "You almost died. But you didn't—because we saw you and saved you. Now you have a second chance."
Biacca turned away, tears streaming again. "You don't know what it's like being me. Living just to be hated, treated like a burden. At school, the orphanage, even online… everyone wants me gone."
Yamile moved in and tried to comfort her.
"Why… why did you save me?" Biacca, she finally asked.
"Because when someone chooses death, it doesn't mean they're weak," Zhao replied. "Sometimes, it just means they've run out of ways to survive. And sometimes, all it takes is one hand pulling them back."
Biacca said nothing. She cried—partly out of sorrow for failing to die, but deep inside, she was also thankful for a second chance.
Yamile hugged her tightly. "You're safe with us."
"Stay here for a while…" Yamile said softly to Biacca.
"Where are you going?" Zhao asked, half shouting.
His tone irritated Yamile. "Can't you see? I'm only wearing a bikini. I've been out here all night, getting bitten by bugs!"
"Your fault!" Zhao teased.
Fuming, Yamile summoned her trident, which appeared in her hand instantly. She pointed it at Zhao. "Don't forget—I still have a score to settle with you!"
"Watch over the girl. I'm going home to get clothes and weapons. I'll also find food for us," said Yamile before walking off.
Going back home wasn't the safest move—surely people would already be investigating the incident: the police, the locals…
And she was right. As she neared the house, Yamile saw a crowd from a distance. But oddly, they weren't police or neighbors she recognized—they were strangers.
So, she crept closer to investigate. Hiding behind some bushes, she was shocked to realize the crowd consisted of members of the Split Sun group.
"So they're the ones investigating my house?" Yamile murmured.
Her eyes widened as she saw a familiar woman. "She's alive!"
It was Rana—the Kalanak who Zhao had stabbed days earlier. Now healed, she was leading the investigation at the burnt remains of the house.
"Damn it, there are tons of weapons hidden in there. I need to get out of here, fast, before they see me," Yamile muttered.
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